Method &amp; Apparatus for Remote Cleaning &amp; Inspection of Underwater Structures

ABSTRACT

An underwater structure inspection vehicle that uses a rotating brush to clean the structure for camera inspection. Unlike underwater vehicles currently being used that are positioned by thrusters, this vehicle will be positioned in three different planes by three different means. The first is by mechanically raising and lowering it. The second is by a propulsion system pushing it into the structure. The third is by lateral guidance bars being engaged by the rotating forces of the propulsion system. In areas of high water velocity, an optional back-side platform may be used to assist the propulsion system by locking the vehicle onto the structure.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Provisional Patent Application #61/517,950—Method & apparatus for remote cleaning and inspection of underwater structures, Filing Date 4/28/2011, is the prior filed co-pending provisional patent application.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX Not applicable. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

General class 73—Measuring & Testing/Sub-class 865.8—Inspecting. This invention relates specifically to the inspection of the underwater portions of piers, piles and columns.

Structural elements (or portions of structural elements) that support bridges, docks, wharves, piers, etc. and are submerged below the surface of a body of water need to be periodically inspected for defects. Visual inspection by divers is the most common method; however in certain situations, the use of a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) is preferred. ROV's are complex, expensive, and require a skilled operator to fly them.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

An underwater vehicle that is positioned by mechanically raising and lowering it from above, is pushed into the element by a propulsion system of which will generate rotating forces to engage lateral guidance bars and also drive rotary brushes to clean an underwater element so a video camera can display an image of its condition.

This invention will be less expensive to build, and less complex than most ROV's due to a simpler design of relying on only 1 thruster instead of many for position control.

This invention will be easier to control and allow untrained and inexperienced inspectors/technicians to operate it.

In areas with high water velocity, an optional “back-side” platform may be attached to lock the vehicle to a pile or column. This platform will only be used for piles or columns.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS:

FIG. 1—Underwater Inspection Vehicle on pile, Isometric View.

-   -   1. Housing assembly     -   2. Video camera     -   3. Rotary brush     -   4. Propulsion system     -   5. Lateral guidance bars     -   6. Clear-water box

FIG. 2—Entire operation, Isometric View (refer to FIG. 1 for inspection vehicle detail).

-   -   7. Control station     -   8. Video monitor (Note: Power source for video monitor, camera,         lights, winch, brush/propulsion is implied and not shown)     -   9. Winch

FIG. 3—Inspection vehicle on pile with back-side platform attached, Side View.

-   -   10. Backside platform     -   11. Wheels/rollers     -   12. Bungee cords/attachment cables

FIG. 4—Inspection vehicle with optional external guide source for piers, Elevation View.

-   -   13. External guide source

FIG. 5—Basic inspection vehicle on pile showing mechanisms of force (denoted by arrows), Elevation View.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:

This invention consists of a control station used to power and operate an underwater inspection vehicle (apparatus) that will clean and video graph an underwater element (method). Note: the terms “element” and “structure” will be used interchangeably for this application to reference a pier, pile, column, etc.

The inspection vehicle will house a rotary brush, video camera with optional clear-water box, lateral guidance bars and a propulsion system of jets, thrusters, or propellers.

The inspection vehicle will be lowered and raised, up and down the structure from a top-side (boat or structure) mounted davit. As the inspection vehicle moves down the element, the rotary brushes remove marine growth and the video camera sends an image of the cleaned area to a monitor at the control station where the image will be viewed and/or recorded.

Both the control station and inspection vehicle should be constructed of metal, preferably aluminum due to its corrosion resistance properties and strength to weight ratio; however, stainless steel or other types of steel with an anti-corrosion coating applied would also be suitable.

A minimum of two (2), but preferably four (4) lateral guidance bars will extend from the vehicle and rest against the pile/column for lateral tracking. In the case of piers, an external tracking source can be temporarily put in place for the bars to be used. Rollers should be mounted on the bars. The bars should be adjustable to fit different dimensions.

Various sources of power can be used to drive the propulsion and brush. Two powers systems that could be used area A hydraulic motor turning a shaft with both a propeller/thruster and brush installed on opposite ends, or, a water driven system where water jets mounted to the brush will force the brush into the element and also turn the brush. For elements with contours or cylindrically shaped columns, it will be necessary to use the water jet system; with the jets mounted at the end of the brushes and where the brushes will be hinged near the center.

Where the propulsion system is inadequate to push the vehicle into the element (such as high water velocity) a “back-side” platform may be attached to the vehicle. This platform should be constructed of the same material as the vehicle, be attached with “bungee cords” to guidance bars, and ride on wheels or rollers.

The control station will have a davit system or “arms” that project over the edge (boat gunwales or bridge/pier fascia) with a battery operated winch or capstan used to raise and lower the vehicle. The power unit (hydraulic power pack, water pump, etc.) will also be mounted on the control station as well as video camera monitor, optional generator, or any other accessory that may be desired. 

1. An underwater structure inspection vehicle that is positioned by using either the structure itself or an external guidance source to hold a lateral position, is mechanically raised and lowered, and is pushed into the structure by a propulsion system. a. Dependent claim—If the propulsion system is inadequate for in-situ conditions (such as high water velocity) to push the vehicle into the structure, a back-side platform may be attached for assistance to lock the vehicle onto a pile or column (not applicable for piers or other structures where the horizontal distance from edge to edge is prohibitively large).
 2. The rotating force induced by the brush/propulsion system will counter-rotate the vehicle to force guidance bars to engage the structure or external guidance source. 